JPD officer hailed a hero

As the apartment building went up in flames, one Jackson Police officer jumped into action, saving lives, including children. Now, he's being hailed a hero.

Patrol Officer James Edwards says it was an extremely tense situation and the only thought going through his mind was to get everyone out. Seven children's lives were saved because of Edwards' heroic work.

"He would lower them down as far as his arms could extend them down. and from there I would just advise him to drop them to me. once he dropped them, I would catch them," said Edwards.

Edwards saved the children from a second story apartment and an adjacent apartment; one of those now heavily damaged from the flames, the other a total loss.

"Sometimes you have to go far and beyond, but you have to be willing," said Edwards. "Sometimes you have to deny self. Sometimes you have to put your life in jeopardy. But, that's what you sign on for."

Edwards was patrolling his beat around 4:45 Friday morning when he smelled the fire. Chief Lindsay Horton says Edwards' training and adrenaline immediately took over, leaving no time to call for backup.

"Without hesitation, he went right into action. Time was of the essence," said Chief Horton. "He needed to go ahead and save those young lives, save the occupants not only from that apartment, but from that building. That would pretty much explain why he is the lone hero here and I'm waiting for him to pull the cape out of his uniform (laughs)."

Chief Horton says some first responders go through their entire career hoping to have the opportunity to really impact and save a life, and on this day Officer Edwards is a hero in his eyes.

"We are proud of him and I know his family and everyone that knows him should give him a hug and a good handshake," added Horton.

"You just have to do what you are out there to do, serve and protect so, that's what we do," said Edwards.

Edwards says the Jackson Fire Department should also be recognized for their hard work and dedication. It was a team effort.